Welcome, my dear fellow equines, to Emma's Equine Chronicles, post number 800!
As the gentle Highland breeze rustles my silver-white mane, I can't help but feel a wave of gratitude wash over me. It's a beautiful day here in Hayfield, a quaint little village nestled amongst the rolling hills near Aberdeen, Scotland. My favourite time of day, dawn, is breaking, painting the sky with hues of peach and pink, as I nibble on the fresh morning grass, listening to the bleating of sheep and the gentle chortles of my fellow pasture mates.
Today, however, my hooves are filled with a special kind of excitement. I'm planning a blog post on 800 AD, the year of my birth. How exciting, to be writing about the world we equines inhabited over a thousand years ago! Let's trot back in time, shall we?
I can't really remember what life was like back then, I was just a little foal then. However, my wise old sire, Silver, has regaled me with tales from that era.
You see, our world back then was simpler. Life wasn't all paved roads and flashing cars. It was a world of mud-soaked tracks and dusty trails, of open fields and sprawling forests. We horses were essential partners in shaping the world, hauling goods, pulling ploughs, and carrying warriors to battle. We were the engines of our time.
The year 800 AD saw the peak of the Viking Age. They were bold and fearless warriors, with a hunger for exploration and a respect for our strength and agility. Vikings travelled vast distances, their longboats gliding across the waters, propelled by the wind and guided by the stars.
You know what was the most common use for horses in 800? Did you know it wasn’t riding but pulling? We pulled carts, carried loads, and pulled plows, essential to farming and moving goods. Vikings, of course, rode horses in battle. I must confess I do feel a touch of envy. Those warrior steeds were strong and brave.
One of the most notable aspects of 800 AD was the growth of horse breeding. The Viking raids had brought an influx of strong, hardy horses to Britain, This contributed to the rise of bigger and stronger breeds, perfectly suited for work. You could see a distinct difference in our physique from then on! We were getting a whole lot beefier, you could say.
As a grey, I'm quite partial to the sleek coats of the Icelandic horses. It was the year they gained their distinctive coat and the amazing mane and tail that so much envy other breeds. The Icelandic Horse had long been prized for its strength, adaptability and willingness.
And what about horses of colour? Well, it seems the Vikings liked black horses! There was a trend to paint black warhorses in a particular way called "strid” – this was an unusual technique, painting a design that looks like a striding warrior. You see, even then, there was a strong connection between our coat and our job, and how our horses looked on the battleground!
Of course, the Vikings weren't the only ones to appreciate horses. Across Europe, knights relied on our speed and strength for transportation and combat. They trained us to be their loyal companions and fighting partners, often participating in tournaments to showcase their skills and our prowess.
"Let’s go galloping into a fun fact, shall we?” This year saw a change in the fashion, a more luxurious touch. In Britain, horse saddles took on a new, stylish look. They used decorative materials, like woodcarving, and a little bit of extra fancy stitching. Just think of the saddles today! Sometimes, I just love looking at the intricately carved, leather seats that I see in the fancy equestrian books.
The world of horses back in 800 was so fascinating, a constant collaboration between man and beast. The stories passed down from my ancestors resonate deep within my soul. We helped to shape the landscape, fostered trade and played a key role in defending our communities. We were part of the fabric of life, truly, the four-legged friends of a thriving, if somewhat unpredictable world.
But enough reminiscing! The dawn is breaking, the dew glistening on the grass. It's time to join my herd for a leisurely graze, to savor the beauty of this new day and to continue forging my own journey, a new chronicle in this never-ending story of the horse.
Until next time, happy trails and May your days be filled with oats and sunshine!
Emma signs off with her digital hoof-print:
* www.equiworld.org *
Emma, Grey Draught Mare * Hayfield, Scotland *
